Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Latest Episodes:

378. Making After Recess & Lunch Transitions Calm, Fun, and Focused Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

There's a certain chaos that walks back into your classroom after recess or lunch with the buzzing energy, side conversations, and constant movement in students' seats. But what if those notoriously tricky transitions could become some of the calmest, most focused moments of your day? With the right strategies, those post-playtime minutes can shift from stressful to smooth...and even a little fun. In today's episode, I'm sharing simple, effective ideas for creating classroom transitions that help students reset and refocus in ways that feel fun, easy, and enjoyable.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-transitions

5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/5-minute-field-trips

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click here to leave your review now (and be entered into our draw for a $25 Amazon Gift Card)!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677 I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one.

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

377. When Admin Promised Support - But You're on Your Own Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

The beginning of the year is always full of promise and hope for a successful, smooth school year - and that same optimism often extends to the support we expect from our administration. But when the reality sets in that you're suddenly navigating everything on your own, the question becomes: What now? In today's episode, I'm sharing strategic steps you can take to regain your power, protect your boundaries, and build a support system even when your administration isn't showing up the way you need them to.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/unsupportive-administration

5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/5-minute-field-trips

"Help! My Admin Promised Support - But I'm Totally On My Own" (We Are Teachers Article): https://www.weareteachers.com/admin-promised-support-but-im-on-my-own/

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

376. When Students Hijack Your Classroom: How to Stay in Control & Still Teach Everyone Else Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

When a handful of students seem determined to derail your lesson plans, it can feel like your classroom is running you instead of the other way around. But the most successful teachers know how to redirect chaos into cooperation by understanding what's driving the disruption and transforming it into engagement. Doing so not only protects the learning environment for all students but also turns disruptive behavior into positive leadership opportunities. In today's episode, I'm sharing practical tools and strategies you can use when your energy feels consumed by managing challenging behaviors, so you can refocus it on learning.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-management-hacks

R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

375. Should I Handle This Myself or Call in Backup? Knowing When It's Time to Involve Admin Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Teachers naturally want to manage everything that happens in their classrooms and handle student behaviors independently. But when the tension between wanting to do it all yourself and knowing you've reached your limit starts to spill over, you've reached that pivotal moment every teacher faces, when you wonder, "Is this something I handle, or is it time to bring in admin?" In today's episode, I'm walking you through how to confidently know what you can and should manage in the classroom, and the red-flag moments that signal it's time to involve admin.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/involving-admin

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

374. Gratitude that Sticks: Fresh & Inspiring Ways to Teach Thankfulness This Fall Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Imagine walking into a classroom where students greet each other with smiles, celebrate one another's efforts, and notice the small things that make each day special. That's the power of gratitude - it transforms the classroom atmosphere from ordinary to uplifting. In today's episode, I'm sharing seven fresh, practical, and engaging ways to weave gratitude into your classroom, and why it matters so much for your students.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-gratitude

Free Gratitude Goodies Gift Tags: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Gratitude-Goodies-Gift-Tags-Chocolate-Bar-Gift-Tags-for-School-Staff-7379551

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

373. Needy Kids? How to Teach Kids to Be More Independent Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Some students seem to need your help every few minutes, whether it's finding a pencil, getting assistance with an assignment, or asking what to do next. While their constant need for reassurance can feel overwhelming, these moments are golden opportunities to teach independence. In today's episode, I'm exploring why needy kids are showing up more often in classrooms, what research tells us about supporting them, and practical strategies to help students become more independent.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/needy-kids

R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

372. Staggered Starts, After Recess & Lunch Transition Ideas Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Mornings and transitions can be tricky moments for teachers, but they don't have to stay that way. By establishing clear routines and teaching students exactly how your classroom runs, you create a calm, structured, and predictable environment that leads to more engagement and productivity. In today's episode, I'm sharing several practical, low-prep strategies to help you keep your mornings, and your after-recess and lunch transitions, smooth, calm, and productive.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/transitions

R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

371. Want to Quit? Me Too Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

There comes a moment when even the most passionate teachers whisper to themselves, "I don't know if I can do this anymore". The exhaustion, the negative interactions, and the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. And while it's easy to dwell on the negative (trust me, I have!), since that noise is often louder and takes up more space in your mind, I want you to do the opposite. In this episode, I share how shifting your mindset and focusing on the positive can help you regain control of your emotions - and why it's so important to surround yourself with amazing people.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/want-to-quit

R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

370. How to End Blurting in Your Classroom Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

After years of letting interruptions disrupt my teaching, I realized that blurting wasn't usually about disrespect. It was about impulse control. With that mindset shift, I began approaching blurting as a skill gap my students needed help with. In today's episode, I'm sharing three simple, practical, and ready-to-use strategies to stop blurting and turn those interruptions into focused, respectful participation.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/end-blurting

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

Impulse Control Strategies that Work Toolkit: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/impulse-control-strategies-that-work-bundle

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

369. How to Keep Your Students Engaged in October Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

October can be one of the most engaging months of the school year when you weave in seasonal themes, keep lessons interactive, and give students ownership of their learning. This month, my goal is to help stock your seasonal resource bucket with ideas that are both effective and fun. To kick things off, today's episode shares six simple, creative strategies to keep students engaged during October, so learning stays front and center while still celebrating the season.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/october-classroom-management

Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist

24+ Best Halloween & Fall-Themed Books for Elementary Classrooms: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/24-best-halloween-books-for-elementary October Teacher Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-First-Year-Teacher-Bundle-New-Teacher-Bundle-2nd-4th-Grade-7167611 3D, Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Haunted House Literacy Centers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3D-Glow-in-the-Dark-Halloween-Haunted-House-Literacy-Centers-4841381 October Imagination Station: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fast-Finisher-Activities-October-Imagination-Station-Gr-2-5-7167419 October/Halloween Jokes Morning Work: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Meeting-Halloween-Morning-Work-Google-Slides-Vocabulary-Jokes-6044059 Halloween Mystery Motivator (Print & Digital): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mystery-Motivator-for-Halloween-Print-Digital-Versions-Included-4871005 Meet My Lil' Monster Informational Writing Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meet-My-Lil-Monster-Informational-Writing-Unit-for-Halloween-6099383

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7

Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/

Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk

Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/

Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk

Xo Lori

P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

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